UCFB’s Grace striding ahead as Maidenhead Media Officer

As a BA (Hons) Football Business & Media student in her final year, Grace Scott is already preparing herself for life after UCFB and a career in the football industry. Having worked as Media Officer at Maidenhead United for over two years, it’s safe to say she’s got her foot firmly in the door. Here, she tells us about the role and her time at UCFB Wembley so far…

How did the opportunity at Maidenhead come about?

Before starting my course at UCFB Wembley and moving down to London, I managed to secure an opportunity at Maidenhead where I created graphics and digital content for their social media accounts. This tied in perfectly with my studies and got me ready to start my UCFB journey alongside working in football.

What does your role as Media Officer involve and what have been some of the highlights?

Since becoming Media Officer in 2019 I have not only made friends for life, but I have been given the best opportunities to excel in my skillset, learn new skills and gain vital, real life experience that has set me up to progress in my role. One highlight that sticks out from the rest is when Rotherham United travelled to play the Magpies in the FA Cup last year. Being born in Rotherham and supporting the Millers, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that allowed me to feature in the local paper. My family came to the game and I also got to hold the FA Cup!

How are you managing to work your role alongside your studies?

I have always had huge drive in both work and my studies, and often challenge myself to structure my days and weeks to allow maximum time for my job and my degree too. This year in particular with my dissertation has been challenging to manage, but I am in such a lucky position and this motivates me to put 100% effort into every job that needs to be done and making it pay off in the future.

How has your BA (Hons) Football Business and Media degree prepared you for the role?

My degree is absolutely perfect for my interests and career aspirations. I knew in college that being able to go to UCFB and study this programme would be a dream come true and that I could kick on to reach my goals in the future. It is a balance of business studies, learning all about how the dynamic football industry works and the inside workings of a football club, mixed with the media principles that are needed during these ever changing times that we live in. The course always considers the current climate and working environment to ensure you learn the correct skills and can apply these in the workplace.

Have you undertaken any other work experience throughout your time at UCFB?

I had a brief spell at Wycombe Wanderers within the media team last year. During the two months I spent at Adams Park I learnt the differences between the operations at a League One club compared to that of a National League club. I worked with a UCFB classmate, who is also on my course, on a video package around Gareth Ainsworth’s love of rock and roll! We built a great relationship with him; he is a kind and caring individual with such character and love for the game.

What advice can you offer to anyone who may be looking to study at UCFB?

My advice would be to get stuck in! Any opportunities that come your way, take them and always consider how your actions will affect your future. Whilst it’s important to take any opportunity, it is even more key to assess the impact of the offer in front of you and be fully happy to take the chance and make the most out of every moment. The people you will work with in football are so important, it is a team game on and off the pitch for sure.

University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) is a world first in higher education, offering undergraduate university degrees in the football and sports industry. UCFB provides an exceptional environment to live and learn in, with state-of-the-art facilities in two inspirational campuses in London and Manchester, which have the iconic Wembley and Etihad stadiums at their heart. Over 90% of graduates are in employment within six months of graduating, with two thirds of those working within the football and sports industry.

Learn more about women working in football & sport by booking your place at UCFB’s upcoming Women in Sport Conference.

For more information on UCFB visit their directory on Careers in Sport